Reminiscent of days when life moved at a slower pace and people appreciated the beauty of the great outdoors and casual, elegant living, Olde Florida is alive and well in the state’s southwest—and your best friend for finding the lifestyle is Royal Shell Vacations.

Their listings of hundreds of privately-owned rental properties include grand Olde Florida homes in lovely neighbourhoods on Sanibel and Captiva islands, Naples, Fort Myers, Estero and Bonita Beach. You can choose from condo and golf communities, beachfront cottages or large family homes tucked away among the palms.

Booking agents at Royal Shell Vacations are locals, so they know the area intimately and can point you to some of the best Olde Florida restaurants, sights and activities. And if you’re travelling with a pet, they’ll guide you to pet-friendly homes and beaches.

With time, sun, sand and the Gulf of Mexico aligned in your favour, it’s easy to slip into the laid-back Florida spirit—and take advantage of the great outdoors to walk, cycle, swim or paddle. One of the oldest activities on the islands is the “Sanibel Stoop”—beachcombing for the ocean’s plentiful offerings of shells, sand dollars and sharks’ teeth. And the area’s nature preserves, including the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge, are entertaining and educational.

In historic communities scattered throughout the area, you can tour galleries and museums, enjoy shops and theatre, and partake of the area’s fresh seafood and produce in restaurants or at home.